A week in work outfits with Sydney-based comedian, Jess Fuchs

High ponytails, maroon fur hats and thrifted jackets.

Working in a creative role, it can be difficult to know how to dress for the day. Instead of having a set uniform of crisp white shirts and tailored black pants (as much as I love both), an ever-changing schedule means every morning requires a set of questions. Am I running around, or just sitting at my desk? Do I need to dress specifically for a project? And most importantly, will I be in the background of someone’s TikTok?

For Sydney-based creative Jess Fuchs, clothing plays a huge part in her creative expression. As a stand-up comedian and writer, a typical day for Jess pinballs from people watching and joke writing at her local cafe to performing a comedy set at night. Given the variety in her daily schedule, outfits are styled with one question in mind: how can a single look be instantly transformed with an added accessory or change of shoes? 

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A far cry from the ‘slimming’ clothes she used to wear onstage, Jess now loves to mix vintage and thrifted pieces with colourful staples. Unlike a typical nine-to-five, Jess’ schedule has her working some late nights and weekends. Read on to see what she gets up to in a week.

Tuesday

After my first Zoom meeting of the week, I jumped into some writing and then went to Gary Bigeni’s Afterpay Australian Fashion Week show. This shimmery teal Worthington trench was thrifted from Beacon’s Closet in New York last year – it’s the reason I dream of cooler months in summer. I wore a darker green co-ord throughout the day and put on the trench for the event. I never even bothered to undo the jacket because it’s such a vibe and I forwent any jewellery to allow the [trench] to be the main event. I matched my eyeshadow to the teal palette to ensure you were hit over the head with the stunning colour. 

Thursday

Though performing stand-up comedy is in part like playing a solo sport, working with other creatives [makes up] a huge part of my day-to-day. Whether it’s bouncing new joke ideas off a fellow comedian, filming content or being a guest on a podcast, often a chunk of each day is about collaborating with others. 

After a morning spent overstaying my welcome at a local cafe for a writing session with a fellow comedian, I tackled a few neglected emails and ongoing admin for an upcoming Melbourne show. Then I finished off the day as a guest on a podcast. I can’t wear hats on stage because I don’t like anything blocking an audience’s view of my face but with no show that night, I had to rock this stunning maroon fur hat. It brought a new texture to the houndstooth jacket I thrifted last year from Vinnies on Oxford Street.

Friday

This fit had to be versatile. I needed comfort for daytime filming so I had paired the pants with a more neutral shirt and then switched it out [for] something a bit more fun for the night of shows, of which there were three. This pink and orange geometric vest added an important pop of colour as I was performing against three very different stage backdrops.

I love these incredibly comfortable chocolate brown Cotton On billowy pants, they are a staple in my wardrobe. The outfit was complete with the cream sneakers. I knew I’d be rushing across town, from Bondi to Marrickville then Haymarket, so comfort was a must that day. 

Saturday

I love baking themed cakes for my friends and family members on their birthdays. [But] after a long day making an elaborate birthday cake for that night’s celebration, my hair was a mess. Whenever I don’t have time to wash it, I rock a high pony which gives me an opportunity to accessorise an outfit with chunky earrings or necklaces. I teamed the all-black look with some tacky diamond detailing, a shirt with a diamond heart cut-out and a thick diamond choker. For the ever-important pop of colour, I added a tiny red bag and shiny red go-go boots which I found on Etsy.  

Sunday

After a few hours of video editing, I did some writing and then prepped for that night’s show which was part of the Sydney Comedy Festival at The Factory Theatre in Marrickville. The pink and white pants are part of a co-ord set I got off Asos Curve. I put the super comfy pants with an oversized Zara business shirt and neon vest, which popped against the blue velvet curtains of the stage. I may not work a corporate job but I do love to mix traditional office pieces with more unexpected pieces, like thin pinstripe pants with a slouchy patterned jumper.

Keep up with Jess here.